Seven tips for a healthy, safe visit to fair

By: Staff Report - Updated: 4 months ago

Posted Jul 27, 2018

If you only remember one of these tips: wash your hands!

PASO ROBLES — As residents prepare for a visit to the fair, the County Public Health Department reminds everyone to take common-sense precautions to stay healthy and safe.Health officials say the most important advice is also the most simple: wash your hands.For handwashing, soap and water is best. If soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good option. Handwashing stations are available throughout the fair.More tips to keep your visit healthy and fun:

Stay hydrated. Drink more water than usual. (You can bring two sealed plastic bottles of water with you through security and refill at the water fountain on the Main Quad, or purchase water at the fair.) Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more water. Avoid alcohol and sugary beverages.

Stay cool. If you are not accustomed to the heat, avoid visiting during the hottest times of day. Take advantage of cooler morning and evening hours. Learn more about avoiding heat-related illness.

Follow the ride safety rules. If you’re checking out the rides, be sure to follow the rules — that includes age and height restrictions — and use the safety equipment such as seat belts and shoulder harnesses.

Eat well. If you’re looking for a healthy choice, check out the wonderful local produce! Wash your hands before you eat, and remember not to eat or drink in the animal areas.

Wash your hands after visiting animals. Always wash your hands after petting animals or touching anything in the areas where animals stay. When you leave animal areas, wash your hands even if you did not touch the animals. If you are looking after animals and want to have a snack or a drink, leave the area and wash your hands before eating or drinking. Don’t bring strollers, pacifiers, sip cups or toys into the animal area. Learn more about staying healthy around animal exhibits by visiting www.cdc.gov/features/animalexhibits/index.html.

Make a plan. Discuss a family plan for where to meet if you become separated.If you only remember one of these tips: wash your hands!For information about the Mid-State Fair, visit www.midstatefair.com/fair